After finishing the mission of saving the timeline, Edward appeared back into the swirl of the Root. The space was endless, its depths shifting like an ocean without water, and yet it felt suffocatingly close, as if the void itself pressed against his skin. He exhaled slowly, running a hand down his face.
"Ah shit," he muttered, shaking his head as if to ward off the fatigue gnawing at his soul. "Here we go again."
The familiar voice of Root, soft yet brimming with an almost mocking maturity, chimed in like a bell across the void.
"Edward-kun! Great job out there." She sounded cheerful, too cheerful, as though she hadn't just tossed him into another living hell. "You even caused destruction before the rebirth, which fits my world exactly! Nice one."
Her voice materialized into a smiling figure, radiant and casual, giving him a playful thumbs-up as though this were some lighthearted game.
Edward pinched the bridge of his nose, whispering to himself. She's the will of the world. She gave me new life. I can't hit her. Even though she's an annoying pest, I can't hit her. Be calm. Be like Buddha. Don't break her face.
Root leaned closer, tilting her head, eyes glimmering with curiosity as she poked his cheek. "Hello? Edward-kun? Are you still in shock? Did you hit your head out there? Or do you want me to send you into another timeline to relax?"
That snapped his patience.
"Fuck you, Root!" His voice cracked like a whip in the void. "You suck so hard that even a black hole sucks less than you!"
For once, Root froze, her expression blank. "Ehhh??"
But Edward wasn't finished.
"First, you send me to a goddamn apocalypse timeline with no information. Then I had to say and do those edgy, cringe lines just to fit the stupid 'character theme' you forced onto me!" His fists clenched, veins bulging against his skin.
He stepped toward her, his words spilling out like venom. "But no, that wasn't enough. You sent your bitchy princess at me—someone I had to fight tooth and nail to beat. Then you ripped me apart again by making Scathach confess and die in my arms. Do you even know what PTSD is, you cosmic airhead? I already lost a friend who died protecting me, and then you pulled the same stunt again with Scathach of all people! Wasn't her life already filled with enough suffering?"
Root chuckled awkwardly, scratching her cheek with a finger. "Umm… but that's heroic! She died protecting the first man she ever fell for in her long, long life. It's poetic, sad, and deeply touching, don't you think?"
Edward gritted his teeth so hard the sound echoed. "Touching, huh? Then why don't I bring Diddy over here so he can touch you in ways you definitely don't want?"
Root flinched, coughing into her hand. "Y-you're in a very emotionally vulnerable place, so I'll ignore that remark. But…"
"But what!?" Edward's eyes burned. "I was fine in my own world, relaxing with my girlfriend, living my damn life. Not only did you ruin that—you dumped trauma on me that only your world is cursed with! And that thing with Scathach—was that your doing?"
Root looked away immediately, whistling badly. "I have no idea what you're talking about. I certainly didn't pull her from the Shadowlands. And I definitely didn't, um, make your hand 'slip' onto her chest."
Edward almost lunged for her throat. "You shitty world will!"
Root raised both hands in a placating gesture, smiling nervously. "Now, now, Edward-kun, no need to be angry. Didn't you get her token of love? You can use it to summon her in the future. Think about it—the heartfelt reunion!"
Edward's voice was sharp with scorn. "Yeah, like I want to come back to this abyss again."
Root's expression softened, her tone dropping to something almost pitiable. "Did you really hate it that much? I do admit, it might have gotten a little… out of hand."
Edward suddenly laughed—a loud, unhinged laugh that rang like broken glass in the void, mimicking the Joker.
Root winced, stepping back. "Hey now, don't laugh like that. It's creepy. Tell you what—next time I'll throw in another pretty girl for you. You like Tamamo-chan? Or maybe Artoria-chan like all the other kids?"
Edward's stare was unblinking, sharp enough to cut. "You plan to hand me another tragic love story just so you can traumatize me again?"
Root waved her hands quickly. "No, no, no! This time it's totally legit! I, Root, never lie about these things!" She puffed her chest proudly as if expecting praise.
Edward scoffed. "Do you think I care about that? I already have three lovers and a crazy bitch chasing me for my seed. Add Scathach, that makes five! You know what—just give me my reward and let me leave."
Root blinked innocently. "Reward? Isn't the new friends you made, the bonds you forged, and the thrilling adventure the best reward?"
Edward cracked his knuckles slowly, the sound sharp in the stillness. "You wanna have a bad time?"
Root pouted, averting her gaze. "You really are no fun. Fine, fine, what do you want? You already have access to sub-types of True Magic. DC's world can't even support True Magic, you know. You can only use it here."
Edward let out a long sigh, rubbing his temple. "Then answer me this: in the future Ritsuka saw—what's the deal with the Gun God joining the dark side?"
Root's pout deepened, lips curling downward like a child scolded. "Boo! Nobody likes spoilers. That's Ritsuka's problem, not yours."
Then her eyes lit with mischief, a smirk spreading across her face. "But don't worry. I gave her something to help."
Edward paused, narrowing his eyes. "…Wait. What did you give her? Don't tell me...."
Root's grin widened, proud and mischievous all at once. "I gave her something fun."
****
Elsewhere, Ritsuka, who had made her wish to restore her timeline and was about to go back, suddenly froze in her tracks. Her eyes widened as a sudden brightness flared across the control room screen, forcing her to squint. The silence broke with the chime of an artificial voice.
[Ding! Chaldea System powered by SALT is online. Gacha features unlocked. Summon mythic heroes and fight alongside them, go on an epic adventure. Have fun and Enjoy!]
For a moment, the words hung in the air like an omen. Ritsuka blinked at the screen, tilting her head in curiosity rather than alarm. She placed a hand on her chin, muttering as though puzzling over some new game mechanic.
"...What's a gacha system? It sounds fun!" she said brightly, as if she had just stumbled across a new minigame.
The scene froze. Root, who had been showing this projection, clicked her tongue and turned toward Edward. She had expected a casual laugh, or at worst some sarcastic remark. Instead, Edward had gone completely pale. His knees buckled as he collapsed forward, palms pressed against the floor, his expression stricken as though the weight of countless bad rolls had just landed on his shoulders again.
"Edward-kun?" Root nudged him gently with her foot, concern and mild annoyance mingling in her tone. "What's wrong? Isn't this fun?"
Edward's lips trembled. He looked up, but his eyes were distant, haunted, as though he were staring straight into a bottomless abyss. His voice came out low, broken, almost like a prayer for deliverance.
"You're a monster," he whispered, every syllable dripping with despair. "You've doomed us all."
The images of black keys… mapo tofu… and useless three-star craft essences came rushing back into his mind. His old trauma from the cursed gacha experience surged like a nightmare resurfacing, each memory another stab of pain.
Root blinked, caught off guard by the depth of his reaction. She turned her face away, half-defensive, half-pouting. "Now, now, don't be dramatic. She's a nice girl. The system will help her, and won't cause any harm…" She trailed off, her voice uncertain, before adding a muttered "…probably."
Edward slammed his hand against the ground before taking a long, shaky breath. His shoulders heaved as he fought to steady himself. Finally, he raised his head with grim resolve.
"You know what?" he muttered. "It's not my problem. I'm not even part of this universe. I'm out of the gacha pool."
Root coughed into her fist, deliberately looking away as she murmured, "...For now."
The room seemed to grow colder. Edward slowly turned his head toward her, his golden eyes narrowing with murderous intent. The menace radiating from his glare was so sharp that even Root, embodiment of the Records, flinched and avoided eye contact.
For a while, silence lingered between them. At last, Edward sighed and sat back, shaking his head. "So," he asked flatly, "what's my reward for all this suffering?"
Root immediately perked up, straightening her posture with pride. She spread her arms wide as though unveiling a grand prize. "Well, I can grant you knowledge, items, activate your origin—anything you name!" She lifted her chin with a smug smile, waiting for his gratitude.
Instead, Edward's expression darkened with disappointment. His words dripped with scorn. "Can't even give me True Magic and trying to rip me off with cheap items? Are you Root or Alaya? This smells like a scam."
Root's eye twitched, her jaw tightening. She gritted her teeth, trying not to snap. "You…" She exhaled sharply, forcing herself into composure before replying gloomily, "Then, do you want another class card? You still lack some classes like Foreigner, Alter, Gunner…"
Edward rubbed his chin thoughtfully, clearly weighing the idea. "Hmm… That's actually somewhat decent." He tapped his finger against his cheek, eyes narrowing as he ran through possibilities. "I already got EA, so Atlas weapons aren't needed. Maybe the 'Logos React' would be useful to simulate things. But… which hero are we talking about? You aren't planning to dump another problem child on me, are you?"
Root stomped her foot, her frustration bubbling over. "You are not cute anymore! Before, you were all shy but kind and helpful—not this! I want a refund!"
Edward's face hardened with judgment, his tone merciless. "Well, I'm disillusioned after meeting you, too. So let's call it even." He tilted his head. "Let's say I want to pick a Foreigner-class hero. Can I choose myself, or no?"
Root crossed her arms with a huff, refusing to look at him directly. "Go ahead and choose what you want. I don't care anymore, hmph!"
A grin slowly spread across Edward's face, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Alright. Since you're being so generous, I'll pick the one I want. But how do I do that?"
Root tossed him a blank class card. Its surface shimmered faintly with the word Hero etched across it. "Imagine the hero you desire, and the version you want. It must be a hero, and have a human origin." She smirked with smug satisfaction, convinced she had cornered him.
But the moment Edward looked down at the card, his shoulders began to shake. A strange sound escaped his lips—low at first, then rising until it echoed through the chamber. He started laughing.
The laughter wasn't warm or amused. It was sharp, unhinged, the kind that made the hair on Root's neck stand on end.
"Um… Edward-kun?" Root said nervously, her confidence faltering. "You're scaring me. Can you not laugh like that?"
Edward didn't stop. Instead, he raised his head, his eyes gleaming with a manic light. "Thanks, Root. This at least makes up for the trauma." His grip tightened around the empty class card, channeling his will into it.
Root's smirk faded into suspicion. She narrowed her eyes. "Wait… who did you choose?"
Edward's laughter softened into a dark chuckle as the card in his hand began to glow, its surface shifting with golden light. A radiant symbol etched itself across it—the unmistakable mark of a Hero.
With an evil grin, Edward declared, "I, Edward Elric, have a dream… to be ridiculously OP!"
Root's face drained of color. "Wait, no! That's hax!"
Edward threw his head back and laughed triumphantly. "Oh yeah! This is it!"
The card merged with his soul, sinking into his body like molten light. His aura surged, power crackling in the air as if reality itself bent to accommodate the change. After a moment, Edward steadied himself and walked casually toward Root, who instinctively flinched.
"What do you want now?" she asked warily.
Edward's smile softened into something deceptively gentle. He reached out and patted her head as though she were a child. "There, there. Isn't it perfect? You got your timeline saved, and I got a cool power-up. It's a win-win."
Root's face twitched in irritation. She smacked his hand away with a sharp slap. "Tch! Do you think I'm a child you can fool? Now go home, you cheating character!"
She raised her hand, and a magic circle flared beneath Edward's feet. He felt the pull of transference as the energy built. Still, he only grinned and waved cheerfully.
"Don't call me unless you're willing to hand out another cheat."
Root's teeth clenched, her anger barely contained. But suddenly, her lips curled into a smile, sweet and dangerous.
"I wasn't going to do this before," she said lightly, "but since you annoyed me, you're now part of the gacha. Enjoy!"
Edward froze. His eyes widened in horror. "Wait… We can discuss this in a civil manner—"
Panic intensifies.
Root waved cheerfully, her voice almost sing-song. "See you soon, Edward-kun."
The last thing anyone heard before Edward vanished was not a word, but a howl of pure despair.
His scream echoed through the Akashic Records as his body was flung away. "Fuuuuuuuuuuccckkkk Yooooouuuuuu Roooooot!"
When the space finally fell silent, Root sighed and shook her head.
"Seriously, that child is a menace. I don't know anyone else who would dare trick me. I wonder… what will he do with that power?"
Meanwhile, Edward was being hurled through the void of space, spinning helplessly, his body flung like a ragdoll by the hand of fate. Unlike a dignified sorcerer or chosen warrior, he looked like a man cast adrift, tumbling endlessly. The only constant was his scream, long and unbroken.
He wasn't sure how long it lasted. Only that his voice rang with a single truth.
"Fuuuuuuuuck Yooooouuuuu Roooooot!"
*****
Edward crashed from the sky face down into a pile of sand with a deafening boom. The grains scattered in every direction as if recoiling from the impact. His body pressed into the warm earth, and for a long second he stayed there, stunned, his face buried. He coughed, spitting out mouthfuls of grit, his lungs stinging from the dryness. Slowly he pushed himself up, sand clinging stubbornly to his skin and hair.
He brushed himself off with lazy swats, muttering under his breath. "Huh, feels like this happened before…" His tone carried more amusement than irritation, the kind of half-smile that comes when fate repeats itself in ways both cruel and familiar.
Standing upright, he looked around at the endless desert stretching under a pale sky. His boots sank slightly into the shifting dunes as he took a few steps. "I wonder how long has passed since I left," he murmured, voice quiet but weighed with thought. His eyes narrowed, a faint crease of worry cutting across his brow. "Hope not for too long."
Before his thoughts could spiral further, a familiar, melodic voice cut through the silence. It was playful, yet laced with a faint sharpness, like a blade hidden in velvet.
"Well well, look who finally decided to show up after a year. Finally remembered you have a home?"
Edward froze mid-step. The edges of his lips tugged upward almost instantly, his chest easing with warmth. He turned his head toward the voice, and when his gaze found her, the tension drained out of him.
"Sorry, dear," Edward said, his tone soft and fond, walking forward without hesitation. "Didn't know about the alternate flow of time. I was out for only a couple of days there." He reached out and wrapped his arms around her with the easy intimacy of someone who had missed her more than he cared to admit. His cheek brushed against her dark hair, and he exhaled against her ear. "I'm home."
Death chuckled softly, her lips curving into a smile that carried more truth than her teasing words. She leaned forward and kissed him with quiet tenderness, their connection immediate, natural, and grounding.
Yet as her lips parted from his, her expression shifted into something sharper.
"Welcome back…" she said, then tilted her head slightly, her eyes narrowing. "Hold on… why do I feel another woman's smell on you? Someone...kissed you!"
Edward stiffened. A bead of sweat slipped down his temple. He gave a nervous laugh, rubbing the back of his neck as if that could save him. "Uh… I kinda accidentally charmed someone… and this was a farewell kiss."
Death's gaze remained fixed on him, scrutinizing. "And you achieved that in just two days?" Her voice held a note of suspicion, drawn out with deliberate weight. "That's rather interesting."
Edward immediately pulled her into a firmer embrace, his arms tightening around her as though physical closeness could keep her doubts at bay. "It kinda just happened," he admitted in a low tone. "She was actually… kinda like you. Figuring out what emotions she felt, always alone in her long life, and a penchant for killing people."
For the briefest moment, something flickered in Death's eyes — hesitation, a fragile mix of pride and curiosity she rarely let show. Her lips pressed together, and when she spoke again, her voice carried a dangerous lilt.
"I don't mind it, I know you have rejected more women than accepted… but I do hope YOU DON'T START PICKING UP GIRLS THE SECOND I TAKE MY EYES OFF YOU!" Her eyes gleamed with a dangerous light that made it very clear she was not joking.
Edward's response was immediate and desperate. He straightened, nodding rapidly. "Of course not. You know I'm not the kind of guy who goes around doing that. Especially when I have an adorable and amazing lover like you."
The tension cracked slightly, and Death let out a small smile as she leaned back from him.
She gave a short, approving nod before turning away, the edge in her eyes softening. "Very well then. Let's go and meet your wives. I've already spoken with them about us after you left. They were rather… happy to accept me as a sister."
Edward blinked, his eyes widening. He coughed, a little alarm rising in his chest. "You didn't… like, threaten them or anything, right?"
Death snorted, offended by the implication. "Of course not. Do you think I need to threaten someone?" Her voice was dismissive, as though the very idea was beneath her.
Edward sighed, resigned, and reached for her hand. "Alright then, let's go home. By the way, how did you find me so quickly?"
Nonchalantly, Death lifted her free hand, her expression calm as she willed open a swirling portal of dark energy. "I've put a tiny bit of my power as a mark on you. This will make anyone abandon any thoughts killing you as they will feel fear. It also acts as a locator. As long as you are in this universe, I can find and appear next to you."
Edward gave a nervous chuckle, scratching his cheek. "That's sweet… and scary at the same time." She just smiled sweetly and clasped his hand.
Hand in hand, they stepped through the shimmering gateway, the world dissolving around them.
When they emerged, the sight of Themiscyra greeted Edward — golden light bathing the lush island, the sound of the sea humming in the distance, the scent of salt and olive groves heavy in the air. It was home, but even more than that, it was where his family awaited.
The reunion was immediate and overwhelming. Hera, as always, was the first to reach him, throwing her arms around him possessively, clinging to him with little shame. On either side, Hippolyta and Death each took one of his hands, unwilling to let go.
"Father!" Diana's voice rang out with a mixture of joy and exasperation as she marched forward. She actually had to pry them off before she could throw her own arms around Edward. Her embrace was fierce, emotional, and for a moment she buried her face against his chest.
She had missed him, and unlike the others, she wore her emotions unhidden. She had always been her father's loving daughter — spoiled, doted upon, but also fiercely loyal. Specially because Edward would not refuse her requests unless it was something ridiculous bringing her the stars in the sky.
The family gathered for dinner soon after. Around the table, laughter and warmth filled the air as they caught up on the long months apart.
Edward recounted his short but impactful travels in the Type-Moon universe, his voice steady but heavy with the weight of battles fought and losses endured.
When he described what had happened there, eyes glistened around the table. Even Hera, usually dramatic and demanding, grew quiet, her expression softening. Hippolyta and Death listened intently, their fingers brushing his hand as though to anchor him in the present.
Edward, with a faint smile, reached into his belongings and presented the gifts he had brought back. Fine clothes, delicate jewelry, glittering accessories, each chosen with care.
Diana's face lit up like a child's as she unwrapped a new walkman and video player, her joy impossible to contain. Edward also brought her some girly stuff like stuffed animals.
Hera, Hippolyta, and Death each accepted their gifts with genuine happiness, their eyes warming at the thoughtfulness behind them. When they donned the stylish modern clothes, Edward couldn't stop staring, the sight both surreal and delightful.
Death, holding up a bag with blush across her cheeks, peeked at the lingerie tucked inside. "You are a pervert," she muttered, though her fingers tightened around the bag, unwilling to put it down.
Dinner ended with the soft hum of contentment. As the plates cleared, Death rose from her seat. She pressed a long, lingering kiss against Edward's lips, whispering against him. She would leave them for the night, knowing Hera and Hippolyta would not let him rest.
She didn't want her first time with him tangled in chaos. "Promise me you'll find time for me later," she said, her tone hushed but firm.
Edward nodded, stroking her cheek with quiet sincerity. She whispered before leaving, "You can look forward to our next date."
As she left, Diana groaned, dragging her new walkman with her as she stormed off to her chambers. She muttered under her breath, annoyed at what she knew was coming. She wasn't scandalized like she used to be, but it still grated on her nerves.
The thought of her usually stern and proper mother reduced to a shameless woman in heat whenever her father returned made her skin crawl and hide under a mountain.
Not to mention Hera. Diana had long abandoned faith in the Greek gods, and her stepmother's unabashed moans did nothing to restore it. Sue even heard her saying things that made want to jump in the river Styx to cleanse her soul.
Later, in the privacy of their chambers, Hera and Hippolyta entered clad in the Victoria's Secret lingerie Edward had bought for them. Edward's grin widened like a fool's as his eyes swept over them.
Hippolyta flushed deeply, tugging at the hem. "Is this really something regular women wear? It's so… indecent."
Hera, unashamed, spun in place, striking a sultry pose. "Oh hush. Our husband brought us something nice. We should return the favor."
And so the night began in Themiscyra, where passion reigned and Edward found himself surrounded by the ones who loved him most.
Yet even as he gave himself to them, the shadow of Scáthach lingered in his heart. The ache of her absence could not be erased, but he knew he could do nothing for now.
So he chose to cherish what lay before him . His lovers, his daughter, and the fragile peace of home.
*****
Alright. Back to DC as you wished. Hope that make ya'll happy. And please don't skip stuff . There are hints in every chapter. No point putting them if you guys skip it 🤷
Guess who the Foreigner is. He and Saber are the strongest heroic spirits Edward has.
Next chapter is set at around year 1500, with the founding of A new organization we all know well .
And if you guys feel like buying me some milk so that I don't run off for 20 years to get it, you can follow the link below to join my Patreon. Remove the space after https
https:// www.patreon.com/c/Virtuosso777?redirect=true
So far I only upload the chapters early there, and some advance chapters if possible. I'll start uploading more advanced chapter later on when I have time.